ACS academies

Athens City Schools introduced possible academy themes for elementary schools at a community meeting earlier this week.

A theme-based academy is a school that emphasizes and builds its academic program around a specific discipline. The Athens Academies will be designed to enhance the traditional curriculum through experiential learning delivered through a themed focus to enrich the learning experience of ACS students. These academies will nurture the seeds of talent and interests that exist within a child naturally while continuing to provide a first-rate education in traditional subject areas.

All academies will continue offering a high-quality core curriculum as a strong foundation, including English, math, science, social studies, music, art and P.E. They will all have an Advisory Council made up of parents, community members, faculty and other stakeholders who will help shape each academy’s direction. Every academy will offer experiential learning opportunities infused with imagination, negotiation, questioning and connecting to deepen student engagement. All academies will have professional training for teachers to support them in delivering a high-quality theme curriculum.

Athens, Brookhill and Julian Newman elementary schools will become academies beginning fall 2018. Cowart becomes SPARK Academy in fall 2017. The four elementary zones that exist now will continue. Students will enroll in their zoned academy. Transfer requests will be considered based on space availability. Transportation will be provided for out-of-zone academies.

The six academy concepts under consideration are fine arts, classical studies, environmental studies, computer science, health and medical and entrepreneurship.

A fine arts academy theme integrates and infuses the arts with and through the curriculum in a way that uses art processes to teach the standards. The philosophy is simple; develop a love, appreciation and curiosity for the arts while building student confidence, imagination and knowledge of artistic skills. It fosters respect for other people and ideas while enhancing cognitive development.

The classical studies academy theme places an emphasis on the classical tradition of educating the whole child. This includes instruction and encouragement in self-discipline and an appreciation for universal principles of truth, justice, honesty and respect as a contributing member of society. It will explore classical literature in an age appropriate way and concentrate on the relevance of history in today’s society. It focuses on building connections between the past, present and the world of tomorrow.

The environmental studies academy theme is highly experiential at its core both in and outside the classroom. Students will make connections between science, technology, economics, policy, people and the environment. It involves collaborative work, scientific observations, data collection and academic risk-taking. It will be oriented toward finding solutions for challenges and rooted in real world connections.

A computer science academy theme places an emphasis on coding and design process thinking with a focus on human, cultural and societal issues related to technology. The philosophy behind computational design and an inquiry-based approach to technology supports student preparation for creative problem solving skills. It invests students with the abilities and skills to meet the challenges of upper grades and the future.

The entrepreneurship academy theme is about growth, creativity and innovation. Entrepreneurship refers to a person’s ability to turn ideas into action. This is key to helping students be more creative and self-confident in whatever they undertake. Innovative entrepreneurs come in all shapes and forms, and their impact resonates in public, private, academic and nonprofit sectors. This theme focuses on perseverance, communication, creativity and curious risk-taking.

ACS is earnestly seeking input from the Athens community regarding the selection of academy themes. To help determine the academy themes for the system, visit www.acs-k12.org/themesurvey.

The academy selections are expected to be presented to the Board of Education on May 11.

To learn more about the academies, visit www.acs-k12.org/theledger.

— Hickman is over communications and strategic planning for Athens City Schools. She can be reached at Ginger.Hickman@acs-k12.org.